Description
This upgraded mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, and crispy bacon with a golden breadcrumb topping. Ideal for dinner or gatherings, it’s a bold twist on the classic mac and cheese with rich flavors and a crunchy finish.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in milk. Simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add cheddar, Gruyere, and mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
5. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Add pasta and bacon. Mix to coat evenly.
7. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
8. Top with breadcrumbs and a few butter pieces.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will cook more in the oven.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg